Iraq
Friday, March 6, 2026
In 2003, Fall of. Saddam Hussein's Regime. Following the US-led invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein's regime falls. The event sparks a power vacuum and sectarian tensions
History
Fall of Saddam Hussein's Regime. Following the US-led invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein's regime falls. The event sparks a power vacuum and sectarian tensions
How It's Celebrated
Iraq is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
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View all →Armed Forces Day
Formerly known as Resistance Day, Armed Forces Day is a prominent national holiday in the country of Myanmar. In 2027, Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 27 March. The holiday will be on Monday 27 March in 2028. It’s celebrated every year on March 27, commemorating the beginning of the Burmese National Army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. The day features an assortment of celebrations, with the most iconic being a marching parade and displays of Myanmar’s military forces. However, the lingering effect of years of brutal military rule has made Armed Forces Day a controversial holiday among Myanmar’s citizens. In the years leading up to World War II, the country of Myanmar, then known as Burma, was nearing a state of open rebellion. Burma had been under British rule in some form or another for more than a century, resulting in very poor treatment of the native Burmese and fostering a deep resentment for the British. Guerrilla warfare frequently erupted, eventually leading to a strong nationalist movement and a desire for independence. British rule finally ended in 1942 when, facilitated by Burmese leaders who were led to believe they would be granted independence, the Japanese army successfully invaded Burma. It soon became clear, however, that the Japanese had no intention of surrendering control of the country. Increasingly frustrated and resentful of a Japanese occupation that led to the deaths of as many as 250,000 citizens, a young Burmese general named Aung San organised a resistance against the Japanese military. On March 27, 1945, Aung San and his national army rose up against the Japanese, launching attacks across the country and again changing allegiances to the Allied powers. The resistance quickly led to the ousting of Japanese forces and, eventually, Burmese independence. Unfortunately, the achievement of independence in 1948 was not the end of Burma’s troubles. The republican government was overthrown by a coup d’état led by General Ne Win in 1962. Burma has been under some form of military rule until recently, leading to frequent internal conflicts as well as widespread accusations of suppression, corruption and human rights violations. Sporadic protests against the military government were dealt with harshly and often suppressed by violence. Several attempts at democratisation were made over the years, including nominally “free” elections in 1990, but most were quickly shut down by the military leadership. Originally created to celebrate the start of the successful opposition to fascist power, Resistance Day was once the most cherished secular holiday in Myanmar. The meaning has changed over the years, however, as is reflected by the name change. Today, Armed Forces Day is primarily an opportunity for the Burmese government to tout the power of the national military, known as the Tatmadaw. While many citizens still take great pride in the Burmese armed forces, many other citizens – particularly ethnic groups that are often subject to discrimination and abuse by the military – view the holiday in its modern form with contempt. The most visible and high-profile celebration of Armed Forces Day comes in the form of the large military demonstration held in the capital city of Naypyidaw. This display is not made accessible to the general public, though select groups are able to attend. The demonstration features a marching parade of the military forces as well as displays of tanks, jets, helicopters and other assorted military hardware. Outside of the parade in the capital city, other smaller-scale celebrations include fireworks displays, live music and public gatherings, most of which take place in and around the former capital of Yangon.
Christmas Day
Christmas in New Caledonia is celebrated with a public holiday every 25 December, as it is in a majority of countries around the world. This Christian festivity commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is part of a 22-28 day season in the Christian calendar known as Advent. In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. Christmas Day and the Christmas season are a busy time of year in New Caledonia. This is one of the main tourist seasons on the island with many from Australia, New Zealand, and France coming here while the kids are out of school. About half in New Caledonia are Catholic and often go to mass all night on the day before Christmas. They seek to welcome Christmas morning while joyfully remembering the day that Christ was born. Many Protestants and Evangelicals in New Caledonia go to church on Christmas Day or the Sunday nearest to Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. The capital city of Noumea is lit up like a Christmas tree for the holidays each year. The city centre is the brightest spot, including Coconut Palm Square, the capital complex, and the Noumea Museum. Both palm trees and buildings are decked out with multi-coloured lights for the occasion.
Eid al-Adha Holiday
Eid al-Adha is the most important of all Islamic holidays on Bahrain’s national calendar. It occurs on the tenth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah on the Islamic calendar, while the date moves 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday 27 May. The holiday will be on Sunday 16 May in 2027. Eid al-Adha is a very holy day for Muslims, yet, in Bahrain, it has become a very exuberant festival day as well. There are many events for kids and adults alike all over the island, and there are many special luncheons at hotels and restaurants as well as fireworks shows. Most Muslims will go to mosque, sacrifice an animal for the feast if they can afford it, put on their best clothes, visit friends and relatives, and spend a lot of time with family at home.
Eid al-Fitr
One of the most important holidays in Algeria and many other Islamic countries is Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr means “festivity of breaking of the fast”, and it comes at the end of the long fasting and prayer month of Ramadan on the first day of the month Shawwal. In 2027, Eid al-Fitr falls on Tuesday 9 March. The holiday will be on Saturday 26 February in 2028. During Eid, Algerians attend a local mosque for prayers and a sermon. They will also give an offering to charity, usually in the form of food, called the “zakat al-Fitr”. As in many other lands, Algerians buy and wear new clothing for Eid al-Fitr, and the wearing of traditional cultural clothing has become popular again in recent years. At home, people will indulge in large feasts, which are quite welcome after the long fast. chick peas couscous pasta, beef, sea food, vegetables, and fruits, are all consumed at family feasts. Many will also exchange gifts and cards and, of course, greet each other with “Happy Eid!” this time of year.